Hanging Baskets

Trailing plants in containers allow us to make use of space otherwise not utilized; a huge advantage considering gardening space is such a precious commodity. They also soften and decorate unsightly, hard landscapes like house walls, fences and patios. And of course, it gives us gardeners a whole new group of plants to play with!

What Makes our Baskets Unique?

At Pesche’s we are proud to say that half of all our hanging baskets (15,000!) are home-grown, and the other half is sourced directly from Proven Winners. Stop in today and see for yourself that our hanging baskets are a far superior quality to most baskets on the market and yet still a great price, starting at $21.99! Don’t settle for a basket that is merely okay, instead be blown away by a basket that is breathtaking! Come and meander through our vast assortment of sun and shade baskets of all styles and sizes, to find the perfect one for you. We also carry tropical baskets and luxury over-sized baskets.

Different Options for Growing Trailing Plants

Trailing plants are typically grown in hanging baskets, window boxes, tall pots and planters. Often the location will determine which container is most suitable, although hanging baskets are the most popular. They can be hung almost anywhere and simply require a hook. Remember hanging baskets can also be the most maintenance, so know if you have a basket in a hot and sunny location, during the heat of summer it will need to be watered daily, once the plants become established. Vigorous and thirsty plants may even require two waterings, especially on windy days. To reduce the watering need, use a plastic basket instead of natural materials (moss, woven). Natural materials are more aesthetic; however they dry out rapidly. If wanting the natural look be sure line metal frame/moss liner baskets with plastic and poke drainage holes. Try adding Soil Moist to your soil when planting as this absorbs water, swells and then holds water. Selecting a slightly larger container size will help avoid plants becoming rootbound and also choosing less vigorous plants. Window boxes are available with self-watering mechanisms, allowing the user to water ahead. For something a little different we offer finished flower pouches; a plastic hanging pouch lined with plants along the front and top, creating a wall of color once established. Pouches can be hung directly against the wall. Plants used in pouches tend to be upright bedding plants available in a plug size. At Pesche’s we offer bedding Begonia and Impatiens pouches, for both sun and shade.

Different Trailing Plant Types

Plants vary in their trailing habit and are grouped as either semi-trailing or trailing. Not all plants used in baskets and boxes are trailing, mounding plants also work well when used in a suitable combination. When designing your basket or selecting a finished basket, first ask yourself, what habit would you like your basket to have? A trailing basket that could reach up to 24-36”, or a mounding basket that will grow both out and down, and only reaching around 12-18”. If planting your own this will influence your choice of plants.

Think Light Exposure!

Will the plants receive full sun, part sun or shade? If you are unsure go outside and check the location throughout the day. Select your plants accordingly as true sun lovers will not bloom abundantly if they suffer from a lack of sunlight, and shade lovers will be stressed and burn in full sun, which again will cause a lack of blooms. Shade plants enjoy sun early or late in the day, but they cannot tolerate sun exposure during the hottest part of the day (11-3). Next consider what surface your basket is overhanging; some hard landscapes can benefit from plants that do not drop many petals/flowers.

Design Your Own

Select plants with similar vigor to avoid plants overtaking and smothering others. Our Proven Winner combination baskets have been carefully trialed to ensure combinations intergrow harmoniously. Try to keep your upright plants in the center, surrounded by your mounding plants, and finished with your trailing plants along the edge. Alternatively, baskets can be made up of all trailing or mounding plants. Group your favorite colors together, remembering hot colors (red, orange, yellow) work well together, cool colors (blue, pink, purple, white) work well together, and certain combinations of hot and cold (blue/yellow, blue/orange) really show each other up well.

Caring for Your Basket or Container

Like with all plants, some require more care and others less. If you are the type of gardener that enjoys a reason to get outside, a basket that requires deadheading might be ideal. Others might not have the time or inclination, and low-maintenance plants might prove more suitable. Newer varieties of plants are sometimes bred to be more maintenance free; i.e. Super- and Wavepetunias do not require deadheading to encourage blooms. Verbena, Non-Stop Begonia and Supertunia all benefit from regular deadheading, whilst Superbells, Torenia, Bacopa and Lobelia do not require any deadheading. 

Popular Trailing Bloomers for Sun

Popular Trailing Bloomers for Shade

Popular Non-Blooming Trailing Plants